Age of Swords (The Legends of the First Empire, #2)

by Michael J. Sullivan

“Losing leaves a bitter taste that lingers long after the sweetness of victory has been forgotten.”

“Hatred. Some people get filled with it and explode. If they survive, they move on. Others just let it dribble out over the years, like a leaky bucket. One day they notice the bucket is empty, and they wonder what had been in it in the first place. Still others use hatred as a weapon, going so far as to pass it on to others—an ugly, unwanted gift disguised as a virtuous heirloom.”

It’s easier to believe the most outlandish lie that confirms what you suspect than the most obvious truth that denies it.

Everyone thinks their adversary has an easier time than they do. They believe that all their opponent’s schemes work out exactly as expected, while their own plans constantly suffer setbacks. It is a funny notion, especially since you can’t have an adversary without being one.

You never know what you are capable of until you are so desperate as to try anything. You might be pleased or disappointed, but always, always surprised.